The challenge was to create a new datum for the ageing suburb of Datuk Keramat, with the main objective of rejuvenating the area by introducing a mixed-use development that accommodates the ethos of work, life and play.
Datum Jelatek is an integrated development and represents the epitome of urban living. Its podium comprises a retail mall and office spaces, from which springs four towers of residential units above. Sharing an excellent location within the prestigious Embassy Row along Jalan Ampang, and enjoying the superb surrounding neighbourhood, Datum Jelatek acts as an anchor point to the eastern extension of the Kuala Lumpur city centre.
Starting from an understanding of the surroundings to developing the architectural design idea from the site context, the concept design for Datum Jelatek started with the use of curvilinear shapes derived from the abstraction of the nearby lake known as Taman Tasik Datuk Keramat. On the same note, the four towers above the podium took reference from water lilies rising above the lily pads, while the curvilinear forms of the towers were inspired by the fluidity of water, giving the façade an undulating and sculptural quality. Hence, the curvilinear features on the building façade, which were designed to resemble ‘ripples’, flow down sinuously from the towers to the retail podium in a myriad of textures and fenestrations.
The signature feature of the project is the suspended ‘Sky Ring’ located at Level 27. It serves to link the towers together in an act of symbolic connection with the lily pads native to the nearby lake. The prominent circular ring structure creates a new landmark for the site, offering the residents an oasis within the urban setting of Kuala Lumpur. Various activity features are created at each meeting node between the towers and the sky ring, providing venues for entertainment, education, wellness, and active lifestyles. It creates interconnectedness amongst all the towers, acts as a common point for the residents as a recreation and communication platform, and enriches the level of harmony between the residents through an amalgam of communal activities. Last but not least, it offers the residents unique and breath-taking 360-degree views of its surrounding.
The project aims to achieve Green Building Index certification; thus, various passive and active features were incorporated into the architecture. Energy-efficient lighting facilities are used in common areas. The cooling plant system will be an energy-efficient chilled water system, which does not use chlorofluorocarbons refrigerant, thus reducing the ozone-depletion impact. This could potentially achieve a savings of 27 per cent in energy consumption. At a different level of the residential towers, pockets of gardens are added.
The signature feature of the project is the suspended ‘Sky Ring’ located at Level 27. It serves to link the towers together in an act of symbolic connection with the lily pads native to the nearby lake.
